Central Technical Institute, Clonmel, was awarded €5,000 to collaborate with three schools*, and Mary Immaculate College, to embed educational coaching into the professional learning culture of participating schools. Through workshops, online sessions, and coaching cycles, teachers explored Growth, Instructional, and Transformational Coaching models. The initiative aimed to build capacity for reflective practice, peer support, and leadership development, culminating in a digital asset that showcases coaching strategies and supports replication across schools in Tipperary.
*List of collaborating schools:
- St. Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town
- Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed Thurles
- Comeragh College
School’s reflection
The coaching initiative significantly strengthened leadership capacity and collaborative practice across Tipperary ETB schools by embedding coaching approaches into everyday professional learning. Through targeted workshops, structured coaching cycles, peer collaboration, and a dedicated digital coaching hub, teachers and AP1s developed stronger reflective habits, clearer communication, and increased confidence in leading teaching and learning.
A focused middle‑leadership strand paired early‑career teachers with AP1s in a coaching‑style partnership, enabling authentic observation of leadership in practice and supporting participants in shaping their emerging leadership identity. Engagement across the year included face‑to‑face sessions, online check‑ins, reflective journals, and semi‑structured interviews, all of which contributed to the study’s evidence base.
The initiative enhanced professional relationships, supported distributed leadership, and established sustainable structures for ongoing coaching practice across Tipperary ETB schools. Participants consistently reported increased clarity in decision‑making, improved communication, and greater confidence in adopting leadership roles.